UC Application Essay Prompts 2017-2018

Are you considering applying to one of the UC schools? UC schools are known for being one of the best state school systems available, regardless if you’re an in-state or out-of-state student. To apply, here are the UC essay prompts you can expect. 

Students choose 4 out of the 8 total UC essay prompts and respond with 350-word answers. The prompts were updated as recently as last year, so we can anticipate no change for the 2017-2018 application season. UPDATE: No major changes to the essay prompts this year! Just more details in essay prompt 6 & 8.

Here are the UC Essay Prompts for 2017-2018:

1. Leadership experience

   Describe an example of your leadership experience in which you have positively influenced others, helped resolve disputes or contributed to group efforts over time.

2. Creative expression

   Every person has a creative side, and it can be expressed in many ways: problem solving, original and innovative thinking, and artistically, to name a few. Describe how you express your creative side.

3. Talent or special skill

   What would you say is your greatest talent or skill? How have you developed and demonstrated that talent over time?

4. Overcoming educational barrier

   Describe how you have taken advantage of a significant educational opportunity or worked to overcome an educational barrier you have faced.

5. Overcoming significant challenge

   Describe the most significant challenge you have faced and the steps you have taken to overcome this challenge. How has this challenge affected your academic achievement?

6. Academic inspiration

   Think about an academic subject that inspires you. Describe how you have furthered this interest inside and/or outside of the classroom.

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7. Bettering the community

   What have you done to make your school or your community a better place?

8. What makes you special?

   Beyond what has already been shared in your application, what do you believe makes you stand out as a strong candidate for admissions to the University of California?

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About The Author

Frances Wong

Frances was born in Hong Kong and received her bachelor’s degree from Georgetown University. She loves super sad drama television, cooking, and reading. Her favorite person on Earth isn’t actually a member of the AdmitSee team - it’s her dog Cooper.